Health writer Gary Taubes to discuss alternate theory on why people get fat

(Jan. 30, 2012) -- The University of Texas at San Antonio will present "Why We Get Fat: Adiposity 101 and the Alternative Hypothesis of Obesity," a free lecture by health writer Gary Taubes from 6 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 8 in the University Center Retama Auditorium (2.02.02) on the UTSA Main Campus. A book signing will follow from 7 to 7:30 p.m.

The talk will challenge the idea that people get fat because they eat more calories than they burn off. Rather, Taubes suggests that the carbohydrates people eat happen to be uniquely fattening.

A scientist by training, Taubes studied applied physics at Harvard University as an undergraduate and earned his M.S. degree in aerospace engineering at Stanford University. In 1981, he earned a master's degree in journalism from Columbia University, and a year later, he became a staff reporter for the scientific publication Discover magazine.

The New York native is known for tackling scientific controversies. He has written several articles and books, including "Nobel Dreams, Bad Science: The Short Life and Weird Times of Cold Fusion" and "Good Calories, Bad Calories," also known as "The Diet Delusion in the UK." His most recent book, a New York Times best seller called "Why We Get Fat: And What to Do About it," explores "bad nutritional science" from the last century.

Taubes is a three-time recipient of the Science in Society Award of the National Association of Science Writers and a past MIT Knight Science Journalism Fellow.

The lecture is sponsored by the UTSA Libraries, College of Education and Human Development and College of Sciences.

Events

Lisa Carrington Firmin, UTSA associate provost for veteran and military affairs, will deliver the keynote at this summit where veterans and professional leaders will share best practices regarding veteran-related opportunities.
The Club at Sonterra, 901 Sonterra Blvd., San Antnio

Campers in 9th grade through college will receive instruction and coaching on agility testing and position specific drills to refine and improve his skillset as a football player.
Recreational Field Complex, Main Campus

Campers 6-12 years old will enjoy the summer learning to read, write and speak the Chinese language. They also will learn about the Chinese culture such as martial arts, painting and drawing, arts and crafts and more.
Confucius Institute at UTSA (MB 1.208), Main Campus

Campers 7th grade and up will focus on individual development with emphasis on simplifying and teaching the specific skills and movements associated with the game. Serving, passing, setting, attacking and individual defense will all be covered. In addition, team concepts will be emphasized.
Convocation Center, Main Campus

Celebrate Texas' diversity with authentic ethnic cuisine, music, dance, arts and crafts from the many countries that make up the rich heritage of Texas.
UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures, Hemisfair Campus

Get kids from kindergarten through high school interested in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math through hands-on activities at UTSA iTEC camps. The instructors go beyond the classroom and understand that kids learn more when they are excited about the topics they’re discovering.
Applied Engineering and Technology (AET 0.102), Main Campus and Buena Vista Street Building (BVB 3.328), Downtown Campus

UTSA's Mission

The University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.

UTSA's Vision

To be a premier public research university, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.

UTSA's Core Values

We encourage an environment of dialogue and discovery, where integrity, excellence, inclusiveness, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.